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Best of 2021: Top apps and games on Apple App Store in India
DH Web Desk
Last Updated IST
Apple App Store Awards 2021 announced. Picture credit: Apple
Apple App Store Awards 2021 announced. Picture credit: Apple

Apps and games play a crucial role in helping people with mobile phones to get a service done and even distract us from the daily rigours of life. The Covid-19 pandemic which has cast a dark shadow on the whole world for almost two years now caused disruptions on how we work and study.

Thanks to advancements in technology, mobile apps and games have helped people improve their skillsets, work more efficiently, prepare presentations, attend meetings virtually, video interact with loved ones, de-stress, improve mental well-being, get physically fit and Children have been able to attend classes online and complete projects with utility apps.
As the year comes to end, Apple on Thursday (December 2) announced awards for the best apps and games on its App Store.

“The developers who won App Store Awards in 2021 harnessed their own drive and vision to deliver the best apps and games of the year — sparking the creativity and passion of millions of users around the world. From self-taught indie coders to inspiring leaders building global businesses, these standout developers innovated with Apple technology, with many helping to foster the profound sense of togetherness we needed this year,” said Tim Cook, CEO, Apple.

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Toca Life World developed by Toca Boca was ranked the best app for iPhone on App Store. Credit: Apple

'Toca Life World' developed by Toca Boca was awarded the best app for iPhone in 2021. The 'LumaFusion', from LumaTouch, bagged the best iPad app of 2021.

Also, 'Craft', from Luki Labs Limited has been adjudged the best macOS app of 2021. Whereas, 'DAZN' developed by DAZN Group won the title of best Apple TV app of the year. And, Carrot Weather by Grailr was awarded the best Apple Watch app of 2021. It is touted to be the best-in-class app with visually appealing meteorological forecasts and witty characters and brings to life on users’ wrists.

Carrot Weather was the best Apple Watch app of 2021. Credit: Apple

As far as gaming is concerned, 'League of Legends: Wild Rift,' from Riot Games won the top honours in the iPhone gaming app category.

'MARVEL Future Revolution' developed by Netmarble Corporation was awarded the best iPad gaming app of the year. On mac gaming category, 'Myst,' from Cyan won the top honours.
'Space Marshals 3', by Pixelbite won the Apple TV gaming app of the year. And, 'Fantasian' from Mistwalker won the top gaming app of the year on Apple Arcade.

For the first time, Apple's global App Store editors announced a new category - Trend of the year.

"The goal is to identify a movement that had a lasting impact on people’s lives and to recognise the standout apps and games that met that moment. The top trend of 2021 is 'Connection.' This year’s trend winners brought people together in meaningful ways — while meeting social, personal, and professional needs for users around the world," the company said.

Top trend apps of 2021
'Among Us! developed by Innersloth offers a mix of cooperation and small competitions that urges the users to talk — and listen — to each other via banter, bluffing, and teamwork.
Bumble by Bumble Inc offers more than a platform for dating. It helped people forge platonic friendships, and broaden their professional networks.

Among Us! is one of the top five Trend apps of 2021. Credit: Apple

Canva, which is developed by the company with the same namesake offers easy to understand design tools and numerous visually pleasing templates.

EatOkra developed by Anthony Edwards Jr. and Janique Edwards-- offers a robust, user-driven guide to more than 11,000 Black-owned eateries that helps people find ways to invest in their community.

Peanut from Peanut App Ltd is a social audio Pods. It is led by experts on everything from pregnancy and menopause to relationships and self-care.
In India, WhatsApp messenger was the best free iPhone app and DSLR Camera was the best-paid app. Also, Ludo King and Hitman Sniper were awarded the best free and paid games for iPhones on App Store.

For iPads, YouTube and Procreate were ranked top free and paid apps. Ludo King and Minecraft were the top-rated free and paid gaming apps for iPad on Apple App Store.

On Apple Arcade, NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition, Sonic Racing, and Skate City are the top three games.

Best apps and games for iPhones on Apple App Store

Sl No Best Free Apps Best Paid Apps Best Free Games Best Paid Games
1 WhatsApp Messenger DSLR Camera Ludo King Hitman Sniper
2 YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream Vehicle Registration Info Battlegrunds Mobile India Minecraft
3 Instagram Forest - Your Focus Motivation Garena Free Fire - Booyah Day Monopoly
4 Facebook Sticker Babai: Telugu Stickers Subway Surfers Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
5 Google Pay: Save, Pay, Manage Aadhaar Card QR Scanner Candy Crush Saga RFS - Real Flight Simulator
6 Snapchat Procreate Pocket Call of Duty: Mobile Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
7 Amazon India - Shop and Pay AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch 8 Ball Pool Heads Up!
8 PhonePe: Recharge & Investment Money Manager (+PC Editing) Water Sort Puzzle Plague Inc.
9 Google Chrome TouchRetouch Among Us! Assassin's Creed Identity
10 Gmail - Email by Google Govt Guide - PAN Card, Aadhaar Count Masters: Crowd Runner 3D Ski Safari 2

Best apps and games for iPads on Apple App Store

Sl No Best Free Apps Best Paid Apps Best Free Games Best Paid Games
1 YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream Procreate Ludo King Minecraft
2 ZOOM Cloud Meetings GoodNotes 5 Among Us! Hitman Sniper
3 Google Chrome Notability Call of Duty: Mobile Monopoly
4 Amazon Prime Video Messaging for WhatsApp on iPad Battlegrunds Mobile India Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
5 Hotstar- Movies & Live Cricket LumaFusion Garena Free Fire - Booyah Day RFS - Real Flight Simulator
6 Netflix Duet Display Subway Surfers Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
7 Gmail - Email by Google Affinity Designer Asphalt 9: Legends Plague Inc.
8 Google Meet Forest - Your Focus Motivation Roblox Infinite Flight Simulator
9 Telegram Messenger Affinity Photo Project Makeover Assassin's Creed Identity
10 Amazon India - Shop and Pay Amaziograph Candy Crush Saga Need for Speed Most Wanted

Top Games on Apple Arcade
1) NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition
2) Sonic Racing
3) Skate City
4) Cut the Rope Remastered
5) Oceanhorn 2
6) Samurai Jack
7) Angry Birds Reloaded
8) Sneaky Sasquatch
9) Ballistic Baseball
10) The Pathless

Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.

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(Published 02 December 2021, 17:35 IST)